Sunday, April 12, 2015

New Wind Chimes From Old

I have these wind chimes that had fallen completely apart.  I wish I had taken a photo of them hanging on my front porch, but I forgot until I had them down with the help of a step stool and into the basement.

This is all that is left from these wind chimes I purchased a few years ago.  Most of my wind chimes last a bit longer than these have, so I wanted to make sure I repaired them so they would last.

I have lots of old (but not vintage) silverware that I've either been given, or picked up for pennies at the thrift store.  I think at one time, spoons were going for 5 cents each ($0.05 USD).  Now I'm sure they are much higher in price, but at the time, I had considered making jewelry or some such nonsense that was beyond the scope of my grip abilities.

Nothing matched, and that was what I was going for.  Even though I've seen lovely art made from spoons and forks, if I couldn't make jewelry or other adorable recycled art, I needed to find a way to use these.  Somehow, I've collected a HUGE amount of these pieces and it was time to put them to good use.

It was time to deconstruct what was left of the original wind chimes.

As I removed the strings from the base, I noticed they were held together by metal bands.  I also noticed the eye bolt on the back of the base, which I assume was for the clanger.

I cannot tell a lie.  it took two days for me to get to this point.

I sorted and constructed a lot of beads during that time.  Then I wrapped the wires around the silverware.  No drilling, no punching, just a lot of wire wrapping.  And not anything especially good enough to write home about, either.  But these were for me, and they didn't have to be perfect.  They just had to be artsy.  The observant person will note that all three spoons have beginning and ending gold beads that are made from tyvek and embossing powder.  I made 100 of them for a swap one year.

When I strung the wax thread, I started doing it wrong.  I got a bit frustrated because I had already assembled one when I realized my error.  You have no idea how much I dislike rework!

Finally, I was back on track, and was able to assemble the unit correctly.  As I took the wind chimes upstairs, I realized the spoon I was calling the clanger, was too long.  So I shortened it, and now

I have some lovely artsy wind chimes I can be proud of.

Not only did I make them myself, for Day 12 of 22, I reused the "Welcome" base and recycled seven pieces of old silverware and a ton of beads, including six I made from used tyvek and embossing powder. 

Thanks again for your continued support of my projects.  It's difficult to recycle items and make them not look like some six year old made them.  But I'm trying and I appreciate all your comments that continue to push me through these days leading up to bEARTHday.

14 thoughtful remarks:

froebelsternchen said...

Looks GORGEOUS Elizabeth!
Happy Sunday!

voodoo vixen said...

I love your wind chimes E! Such a lovely way to resurrect something you love and is broken and use some stuff that you have had squirrelled away into the bargain!!

Halle said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE these!! The beading makes them super.

Halle said...

Thanks for the heads up on Art journal Journey. I added it to my post and linked up. ;)

Divers and Sundry said...

I have always loved windchimes, and I like the idea of re-using old pieces for a new art piece. This is a lovely welcoming to your home. Sweet!

Nan G said...

Very cool reworked wind chime, E !

Craftymoose Crafts said...

This is one of my favorites of your recycling projects so far. You know me...anything with beads just makes my heart sing!

I was wondering how you would attach them, and this method was really brilliant!

Kyla said...

Looking fabulous. I know what you mean about not wanting to make it look like a 6 yr old made them....believe me this does not...it looks like one of those expensive ones you buy in those posh vintage homestores, but better because you made it yourself.

Kyla

Jo Murray said...

Clever recycling...and fabulous to boot.

Karla B said...

Super cool, my friend!

TwinkleToes2day said...

These are just wonderful. The kind of thing I would pay decent money for. They are unusual and pretty and obviously made with a deal of thought, time & effort. I love them!! :D

Carol said...

I really like the windchimes ♥♥ You sis a great job of recycling lots of different items to create your "ART" . I have been saving blue glass bottles to make some but need to get my but in gear and do it. Its the season for them now.

johanna said...

thanks for the journey through recycled art... and for the Moment i find it very helpful to see this cork-labeling idea!

massofhair said...

One of my favourite recycling projects Elizabeth, colourful and i bet they sound wonderful :-) xxx